Islamabad: A newly enacted law in Pakistan aimed at regulating social media content has sparked outrage among journalism groups and human rights activists. They argue that the legislation undermines press freedom and have announced plans for nationwide protests next week.
The amendments to the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act were introduced and passed by Parliament on Thursday. According to a draft available on the parliament’s website, the law establishes a social media regulatory authority equipped with its own investigative agency and tribunals. These tribunals will have the authority to prosecute and penalize individuals with up to three years of imprisonment and fines of two million rupees ($7,200) for spreading “false or fake” information.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar defended the amendments in Parliament, stating that the measure was necessary to curb the spread of disinformation on social media platforms. “The law was introduced to block fake and false news on social media, which previously lacked specific regulations,” he said.
However, the Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has voiced strong opposition, asserting that the government failed to consult journalistic bodies before drafting the law. PFUJ President Afzal Butt argued that the new regulations are designed to stifle freedom of expression and intimidate media professionals.
“We reject this unilateral decision by the government to set up any such tribunals,” Butt told Reuters. “We also support regulations, but a law enforcement agency or a police officer cannot decide what constitutes false or fake news.”
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The PFUJ announced plans for countrywide rallies against the law starting next week. In a statement, the organization warned that if the law is not repealed, it will escalate its protests to include a sit-in outside Parliament.
Digital rights activists have also condemned the legislation, labeling it a significant blow to free expression in Pakistan.
According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Pakistan ranks poorly on the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, standing at 152. The organization has described Pakistan as one of the most hazardous countries for journalists to operate.
